New DelhiThe Government of India has taken the biggest step in the field of labor reforms this week by implementing four labor codes, These codes cover major categories like Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security and Occupational Safety and Health, Their objective is to make the labor laws of the country simple, modern and according to today’s workforce,
The government claims that these reforms will provide workers with more security, better wages, more transparency and a safer environment. Besides, rules for industries will become simpler and employment opportunities will also increase. With the implementation of the new code, India’s labor structure has now changed into a consolidated structure which is much simpler than before.
Beedi and cigar workers got the biggest relief
After the implementation of the new Wage Code and Social Security Code, for the first time, workers in the beedi and cigar sector have got such a big and clear protection. Their working day is now fixed between 8 to 12 hours and a total of no more than 48 hours of work can be done in a week. For more work than this, the worker’s consent will be required and overtime payment will be double the normal rate. Apart from this, paying salaries on time is now a legal obligation. It has also been made mandatory to give bonus on completing 30 days of work in a year. Workers in this sector had to face irregular wages and very long working days for a long time. With these provisions, a stable and better working environment will now be created for them.
Big improvement in safety and social security for plantation workers
The workers in the plantation sector have also got relief on a large scale from the new Occupational Safety and Health Code and Social Security Code. Plantations which employ more than 10 workers or have an area of more than 5 hectares will directly come under the purview of these rules. It will be mandatory to provide safe training to the employer for use, storage and handling of chemicals. Besides, it has also been made necessary to provide personal protective equipment i.e. PPE. Laborers and their families will get full ESI medical facilities and assistance for children’s education has also been ensured. This change in the plantation sector was one of the reforms that had been demanded for many decades.
What do the four codes say and what will be the benefit to the workers?
wage code
Under the Wage Code, the rules of minimum wage, timely wages, overtime, bonus and deductions have been consolidated at one place. With this, workers will have to face less uncertainty related to wages and compliance will also be easier for industries.
Industrial Relations Code
This includes provisions like simplifying relations between employers and workers, easier methods of labor dispute settlement and clarifying retrenchment and recruitment procedures in large industries. This will create a stable environment for both the employer and the worker.
social security code
All social security schemes like ESI, EPF, Maternity Benefit, Building and Construction Workers Fund have been brought into one framework. Now social security coverage will extend to informal laborers also.
Occupational Safety and Health Code
This code provides clear direction to industries by integrating safety, health and working conditions at workplaces. In this, safety training, health checkup, risk management and safe working environment have been ensured.
